Family loses home to fire, heroic neighbor steps in

A family of four on the far east side lost their home Sunday evening. It was the second fire of the day in El Paso County.

It happened on the 3500 block of Las Quintas close to 6 p.m. The borderland’s hot and dry weather have made conditions ripe for fires.

A heroic neighbor tried to save the house that went up in flames this evening. Fortunately the mother, father, and two children who lived there weren’t home at the time.

“I just went with my brother-in-law around the block and tried putting it out,” Alfonso Cruz said. He has lived in east El Paso County for 20 years. He doesn’t know the family who lived in the house behind him, but when he saw flames, he ran to help.

“Just started squirting water, and I grabbed a shovel, and just tried using dirt,” Cruz said.

The home was determined a total loss by responding crews. The family is getting help from the Red Cross, and didn’t want to talk to media.

“It’s going to be a dry, dry season again,” El Paso County Sheriff Office spokeswoman Chris Acosta said. She’s warning people to be safe as current weather conditions continue, especially by reminding people not to leave portable cooling units on while they’re not home.

A couple hours earlier a fire broke out at a south central El Paso water utilities plant. ABC-7 was told by EPWU spokeswoman Christina Montoya the flames and black smoke were from fiberglass on fire in the odor control part of the facility.

As for the house severely damaged, Cruz believes help will continue for the family.

“I’m pretty sure we all can pitch in. Hopefully they have insurance, but I’m pretty sure the church and everybody can pitch in,” Cruz said.

Acosta with EPSO says County Judge Veronica Escobar has put out a no fire ordinance. She says don’t burn trash, be safe with grills under patios, and do all you can to avoid any flames from sparking.